Atkins' Al Sharq Office Complex in Kuwait City (S2)

Recently, an Atkins office complex concept received big-time coverage by being awarded the 2007 MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Award in the Office category. I’m blogging about it because I like some of the sustainable elements. The 180 meter Al Sharq tower includes an executive gym, health club, spa, and swimming pool at the top. The building also features planted sky gardens in strategic locations where people can step outside, take a break, soak in the view, and think. Commenting on the building’s unique green attributes, Nicholas Bailey of Atkins in Bahrain said:

This is a green building – literally – because of its foliage camouflage. Vertical fins to the street elevation, formed in colored glass, are fitted with integrated solar panels that contribute to the building’s energy needs. The project showcases a new way of building the working environment. It is no longer a cage to confine workers, but a creative living environment to encourage productivity. The groundbreaking concept of the project is the provision of different scenarios where business can take place. More images below.